Meniscus tear - first aid

Meniscus tear - first aidThe knee joint is "the hinge" that allows extension and leg flexion. A meniscus tear in the knee is usually caused by a twisting or a brutal blow in the leg when it is in hyperextension (fully stretched).
Lesion occurs in the meniscus cartilage - a circular banda elastic cartilage surface upper extremity of the tibia. This cartilage causes the bones of the knee joint fits together and help distribute pressure caused by the weight of the body evenly on the surface of the tibia. Types of injuries that occur can range from microscopic tearing up a complete tear of cartilage, in the latter case being necessary, most often surgery because cartilage does not have the property to heal spontaneously. Also, what began as a microscopic rupture can transofrma time by repeated twists or blows to the knee, a complete rupture.
What causes the rupture of meniscus?The lesion is usually caused by a twisting or a brutal blow in the leg when it is in hyperextension. Can occur because the force exerted on the athlete's knee when the plant (foot) is in contact with the ground, the foot stretched and twisted knee, as often happens in downhill skiing or basketball. Usually a meniscus tear is accompanied by a ruptured knee ligaments. Sports injury is very common in brutal melee contact but also among athletes. Other situations that can occur meniscus tear are jumping over objects or fall into force on the knee.
What are the symptoms of meniscal tear?Joint line pain (which are the leg bones come together to form the knee). Knee may lock temporarily or permanently. The person may hear a popping noise that can occur and edema.
What are the first steps to be taken?Stop activities that cause pain (in most cases, the pain and swelling will be those who will stop to continue the work). Put an ice pack on the knee. Treat it by applying ice to the wound help stop domestic microbleeds and prevent fluid accumulation, thus improving pain and preventing edema formation, or, in case it is already formed, its decrease. Consult a physician for evaluation of severity and determining the correct treatment of the lesion. Sometimes, surgery is indicated to remove damaged cartilage.
In terms of medication, first rsnd follow the physician. May be given to reduce pain and inflammation: aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, another analgesic or NSAID softer.Next, you need to follow your doctor's instructions about caring knee.Effects of long-term injury:can sometimes occur some blockage or inflammation. Injury can predispose to arthritis and torn knee ligaments.To prevent recurrences, with the doctor, working with a teacher or a sports physiotherapist to strengthen hamstrings on the back of the thigh and quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh.
If pain and swelling continue after producing knee injury or if partially or totally blocks, consult your doctor.